Renee,
 
    This makes A LOT of sense.  Thanks for  pointing out something that 
should be obvious, but is not always detected, even  by physicians.  Although many 
LCs are RNs, there are many who are  not.  Since I was not until age 43, I 
feel that it will be helpful to  elaborate on your information.  Pernicious 
anemia causes such extreme  B-12 deficiency, that the person will require B-12 
shots, on a monthly basis,  for the remainder of her life.  If that deficiency is 
undetected in a  nursing mother, B-12 is deficient everywhere, including mom's 
breastmilk.  
 
    Routinely, we have many more gastric bypass and  stomach surgery patients 
than ever before.  We also have many going around  with undetected illness 
due to the cost of healthcare.  Postpartum women  are definitely at risk because 
so many are told, "You are a mother now, and most  new mothers are tired, 
depressed, low energy."  Although this is somewhat  true, some of these new moms 
have a pervasive illness that will effect milk  supply.  Renee already told us 
about how her case of undetected pernicious  anemia had a B-12 deficient 
effect on her milk supply, and that this  can have devastating neurological 
consequences for the infant.   
 
    Even though it has been discussed before, thyroid  disease can effect 
milk supply also. Hypothyroidism can lower milk supply  and increase postpartum 
depression.  Often symptoms are similar to new  mother symptoms--depression, 
hair loss, lethargy.  Conversely,  hyperthyroidism can cause increased milk 
supply or even galactorrhea.   The tendency to have thyroid problems has a genetic 
component.  Asking  simple questions like-- Does anyone have a thyroid 
disease in your  family?  When was the last time you had a CBC (complete blood 
count)  or TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone--scores not in normal range indicate a  
problem)? -- are helpful.  Ever try breastfeeding management techniques  with 
a high or low milk supply mom, and not have any impact?  In these  cases, it 
is obvious that management techniques alone will not suffice.  I  would love 
to see a thread of discussion on illnesses that effect milk supply,  and I 
thought I would keep the ball rolling after a good start from  Renee.  Renee, I 
think all of us wish we knew then what we know now.
 
 
Debbie  Albert, RN, Ph.D., LMHC, IBCLC, RLC
Tampa Lactation Counseling
Tampa,  FL 

  
 
In a message dated 5/21/05 12:01:43 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

There are  quite a few 
studies now showing a link between B-12 deficiency and  low  B-12 in the 
mother's milk supply.
  Renee Drake RN CLC
who only wishes I knew then...what I  know now!

 
 
 

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